Public education on the chopping block

Texas Legislature considers how much to slash state education funding

May 19, 2011

As the Texas State Legislature mulls over how much to slash state education funding, the Texas PTA weighs into the debate. How will potential cuts most harm in the classroom? Check these downloadable podcasts of SMU education experts as they draw from their research to offer insight on the following topics:

Creating a strong teacher –the single most important predictor of student success

The life-changing potential of pre-K programs

Making the cuts – using a business model to manage change in schools and find new solutions to education woes

Contact SMU News and Communications by e-mail or at 214-768-7650 for assistance. Experts may be interviewed live in the fully equipped SMU News Studio.

David Chard has directed numerous research projects tracking teacher development and its impact on student achievement as well as the role of early reading and mathematical skills. Now a national and international presenter at education conferences, Chard, the dean of the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development at SMU, began his career as a classroom teacher.

Jill Allor studies reading acquisition for students with and without disabilities. Recognized nationally for her research, Allor, chair of teaching and learning at the Simmons School, has developed techniques to successfully teach reading to the most challenging students.

Lee Alvoid directs the Simmons program dedicated to training the next generation of school principals and superintendents. With more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, curriculum consultant and principal, Alvoid brings a seasoned and scholarly approach to equipping new leaders. At SMU, she has introduced business leadership models to principal training.